Understanding subordinating conjunctions is crucial for mastering Italian grammar. These small yet powerful words help to connect clauses, adding depth and complexity to your sentences. In Italian, as in English, subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, which are clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences and depend on a main clause to give them meaning.
Subordinating conjunctions often indicate relationships of time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, and purpose. By learning how to use these conjunctions effectively, you can improve your fluency and express yourself more precisely in Italian.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions in Italian
Let’s start by looking at some of the most commonly used subordinating conjunctions in Italian:
1. **Che** (that)
2. **Perché** (because)
3. **Quando** (when)
4. **Se** (if)
5. **Mentre** (while)
6. **Sebbene** (although)
7. **Affinché** (so that)
8. **Nonostante** (despite)
9. **Prima che** (before)
10. **Dopo che** (after)
Che (That)
The conjunction **che** is one of the most versatile and frequently used subordinating conjunctions in Italian. It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides additional information about the main clause.
Example:
– Penso **che** lui sia stanco. (I think **that** he is tired.)
In this sentence, the subordinate clause “che lui sia stanco” depends on the main clause “Penso” to make sense.
Perché (Because)
The conjunction **perché** is used to introduce a reason or cause for the action described in the main clause.
Example:
– Studio italiano **perché** amo la lingua. (I study Italian **because** I love the language.)
Here, “perché amo la lingua” explains the reason for the action in the main clause “Studio italiano.”
Quando (When)
The conjunction **quando** is used to introduce a time-related subordinate clause.
Example:
– Ti chiamerò **quando** arrivo. (I will call you **when** I arrive.)
In this case, “quando arrivo” specifies the timing of the action in the main clause “Ti chiamerò.”
Se (If)
The conjunction **se** introduces a conditional clause, indicating that the action in the main clause depends on the condition in the subordinate clause.
Example:
– Se piove, resterò a casa. (If it rains, I will stay at home.)
The subordinate clause “Se piove” sets the condition for the action in the main clause “resterò a casa.”
Mentre (While)
The conjunction **mentre** is used to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously.
Example:
– Leggo un libro **mentre** ascolto la musica. (I read a book **while** I listen to music.)
Here, “mentre ascolto la musica” describes an action happening at the same time as the action in the main clause “Leggo un libro.”
Sebbene (Although)
The conjunction **sebbene** introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a contrast or concession.
Example:
– **Sebbene** sia tardi, voglio uscire. (**Although** it is late, I want to go out.)
In this sentence, “sebbene sia tardi” contrasts with the main clause “voglio uscire.”
Affinché (So that)
The conjunction **affinché** is used to express purpose or intent.
Example:
– Studio molto **affinché** possa superare l’esame. (I study a lot **so that** I can pass the exam.)
Here, “affinché possa superare l’esame” explains the purpose of the action in the main clause “Studio molto.”
Nonostante (Despite)
The conjunction **nonostante** is used to introduce a subordinate clause that shows a contrast or concession.
Example:
– **Nonostante** la pioggia, siamo andati al parco. (**Despite** the rain, we went to the park.)
In this sentence, “nonostante la pioggia” contrasts with the action in the main clause “siamo andati al parco.”
Prima che (Before)
The conjunction **prima che** introduces a subordinate clause that describes an action occurring before the action in the main clause.
Example:
– Lavati le mani **prima che** tu mangi. (Wash your hands **before** you eat.)
Here, “prima che tu mangi” specifies the timing of the action in the main clause “Lavati le mani.”
Dopo che (After)
The conjunction **dopo che** is used to introduce a subordinate clause that describes an action occurring after the action in the main clause.
Example:
– Andremo a cena **dopo che** il film finisce. (We will go to dinner **after** the movie ends.)
In this case, “dopo che il film finisce” specifies the timing of the action in the main clause “Andremo a cena.”
Complex Sentences and Subordinate Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences in Italian. A complex sentence consists of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the subordinate clause cannot.
Example:
– Non usciamo **perché** piove. (We are not going out **because** it is raining.)
In this complex sentence, “Non usciamo” is the main clause, and “perché piove” is the subordinate clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “perché.”
Relative Pronouns as Subordinating Conjunctions
In addition to the subordinating conjunctions listed above, relative pronouns can also function as subordinating conjunctions in Italian. These include **che** (who, that), **cui** (whom, which), and **il quale** (which).
Example:
– La ragazza **che** vedi è mia sorella. (The girl **who** you see is my sister.)
In this sentence, “che vedi” is a subordinate clause introduced by the relative pronoun “che.”
Subjunctive Mood in Subordinate Clauses
In Italian, the subjunctive mood is often used in subordinate clauses introduced by certain subordinating conjunctions. The subjunctive mood expresses doubt, uncertainty, necessity, or emotion.
Example:
– Spero **che** tu sia felice. (I hope **that** you are happy.)
Here, “che tu sia felice” is a subordinate clause that uses the subjunctive mood to express a hope or wish.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions Requiring the Subjunctive Mood
1. **Benché** (although)
2. **Sebbene** (although)
3. **Affinché** (so that)
4. **Prima che** (before)
5. **A meno che** (unless)
6. **Purché** (provided that)
7. **Nonostante** (despite)
Example:
– **Benché** sia stanco, continua a lavorare. (**Although** he is tired, he continues to work.)
In this sentence, “benché sia stanco” uses the subjunctive mood to express a contrast.
Practice and Application
To master subordinating conjunctions in Italian, it is essential to practice using them in context. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
1. Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
– Ho fame. Non ho mangiato nulla. (perché)
– Esco di casa. Piove. (nonostante)
– Studia molto. Vuole superare l’esame. (affinché)
2. Translate the following sentences into Italian:
– I will call you when I arrive.
– Although it is late, I want to go out.
– We will go to dinner after the movie ends.
3. Write your own complex sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:
– se (if)
– prima che (before)
– mentre (while)
Answers to Practice Exercises
1. Combining sentences:
– Ho fame **perché** non ho mangiato nulla.
– Esco di casa **nonostante** piova.
– Studia molto **affinché** possa superare l’esame.
2. Translations:
– Ti chiamerò **quando** arrivo.
– **Sebbene** sia tardi, voglio uscire.
– Andremo a cena **dopo che** il film finisce.
3. Example sentences:
– **Se** fa bel tempo, andremo al mare. (If the weather is nice, we will go to the beach.)
– Lavati i denti **prima che** tu vada a letto. (Brush your teeth before you go to bed.)
– Ascolto la musica **mentre** cucino. (I listen to music while I cook.)
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex and nuanced sentences in Italian. By understanding and practicing their use, you can improve your fluency and express yourself more effectively. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these conjunctions are used and to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding.
As you continue to learn and practice Italian, you will become more comfortable with using subordinating conjunctions to connect ideas and add depth to your sentences. Happy studying!
